Iris Armstrong, PMP, President and CEO on Influential Women
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Iris Armstrong, PMP

President and CEO, The Summit Alliance LLC

Kansas City, MO 64113

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Shorter University - BS, Business Administration Cert Licensed General Contractor Cert Licensed Real Estate Agent Cert PMP Certified

Her Story

About Iris

Iris Armstrong, PMP is the President and CEO of The Summit Alliance LLC, a licensed general contracting firm specializing in commercial, residential, and multifamily tenant improvements, remodeling, property rehabilitation, design, and post-construction cleaning services. Based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, she founded and leads the company with a commitment to delivering quality craftsmanship, operational excellence, and trusted client partnerships. A Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shorter University, Iris combines strategic leadership with disciplined project execution to successfully oversee complex construction and renovation projects from concept to completion. As a business owner, Iris has built her career around transforming properties through thoughtful rehabilitation and innovative design. Her greatest passion lies in the creative side of the business, where she applies her exceptional ability to envision the finished product long before construction begins. She possesses a unique talent for seeing the future potential of a space—what she describes as the "vision of the after"—even when others only see its current condition. This forward-thinking perspective enables her to effectively guide architects, contractors, and renovation teams in bringing ambitious concepts to life while creating functional, beautiful spaces that exceed client expectations. Prior to launching The Summit Alliance LLC, she spent more than a decade as Project Director at Love & Associates Inc., where she further developed her expertise in project management, operations, and leadership. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Iris is dedicated to making a meaningful impact within her community. She actively supports organizations focused on affordable housing and community development and values opportunities to collaborate on projects that improve neighborhoods and create lasting change. Known for her integrity, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to build a legacy centered on innovation, trust, and delivering transformative spaces that enhance the lives of those who live and work in them.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Iris

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my openness and willingness to continuously learn, grow, and embrace new perspectives. I believe that collaboration is essential to achieving great results, and I value the ability to work effectively with others to bring a shared vision to life. By leveraging my skills in leadership, communication, and project management, I am able to strategically align people, resources, and responsibilities to ensure every team member understands their role and contributes to the successful completion of a project. My ability to see opportunities, build strong partnerships, and guide teams with confidence has been instrumental in delivering quality outcomes.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I have ever received is to remain open to learning, embrace opportunities for growth, and never underestimate the value of strong relationships. Throughout my career, I have learned that success comes from continuously improving my skills, listening to others, and being willing to adapt to new challenges. Building a successful business requires vision, perseverance, and collaboration, and I have applied these principles while growing The Summit Alliance LLC and supporting residential, commercial, and multifamily projects. By staying committed to excellence and surrounding myself with talented professionals, I have been able to create meaningful results and deliver value to every client and project I serve.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering the construction industry is to remain curious, stay open to learning, and take the time to understand every aspect of the work. Success in this field requires more than technical knowledge; it requires an understanding of processes, procedures, project coordination, and how multiple trades work together to bring a vision to life. I encourage women to seek opportunities to expand their skills, ask questions, and continuously grow as leaders. Most importantly, lead with accountability, integrity, and confidence, as these qualities are essential to building trust and creating a lasting impact in the industry.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry today is managing the continued rise in construction costs, particularly due to increasing material prices and their impact on project budgets and overall feasibility. Another significant challenge is the limited availability of reliable and skilled subcontractors across multiple trades, which can affect timelines, coordination, and the ability to consistently deliver exceptional results. Despite these challenges, I see opportunities to continue innovating, strengthening industry partnerships, and finding more efficient ways to manage resources while maintaining the quality and value clients expect. By adapting to changing market conditions and building strong relationships, we can continue creating successful projects and delivering meaningful results.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, quality, and ethical conduct. I believe in being a woman of my word, following through on my commitments, and building trust through honesty and accountability. Whether I am leading a project, working with clients, or collaborating with my team, I strive to maintain the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. These values guide the way I approach every relationship and decision, ensuring that I consistently deliver on my promises and create lasting, positive impact.

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